Spring Break
The Daily OrangeLibrary Web site offers users customized features
By Ashley Poulin
Posted: 9/3/09, 1:20 AM EST Section: News
The Syracuse University Web site wasn't the only one to get a facelift. The library refurbished its Web site and now offers a feature called MYbrary, which allows users to customize their search settings and preferences.
A lack of integration on SU's old Web site, as well as the library site, was the most common complaint prior to the redesign, said Nicci Brown, associate vice president for the Office of Institutional Advancement.
"The university really felt that it needed to evolve the homepage to something more than a simple portal and have a greater Web presence," Brown said.
MYbrary is intended to be similar to an iGoogle page, a Google site that comes equipped with search options, widgets and user-determined gadgets all in one place. MYbrary also allows a user to save his or her search settings within specific filters though it cannot save prior keyword searches.
"Functionality was a big key for us," said DeAnn Buss, director of information systems for the library administration. "If you search 'water,' you can see results in databases, books and e-journals if those are the areas where you most frequently do your research."
In addition to aesthetic changes, the new content management system has allowed both the library Web site and the SU homepage to be updated, edited and tweaked easily, Buss said.
"Plans for redesigning the look and feel of the site and the content management system began several years ago," she said.
Members on the Web team responsible for the renewed site include library administration and librarians.
Extensive "user-ability" studies were done before the redesign of the library site, and most of their findings are now reflected in the current version of the site, Buss said.
The only feature that cannot be upgraded or remodeled to the look of SU's current Web site is the inter-library loan program portion.
But SU alumna Lisa Fantino experienced some problems. She said the lack of clear and simple options for alumni on the library's new site was frustrating. When it was initially unveiled, she tried clicking on the alumni link and was denied access.
"They should've figured out all the kinks before launching the site," Fantino said. "Alumni contribute greatly to this school and we really get nothing for it. We should at the very least have online access to whatever electronic facilities are made available to students at the site."
Most feedback, so far, is on the look and design of the site and the cohesion it has with the homepage, Buss said.
"The need for minor content tweaks such as dead links is the most typical criticism," Buss said.
Despite the setbacks, the new site has caught the attention of the SU College of Law and the University of Houston.
"The two institutions have been talking to SU about the Web site redesign and have mentioned that they are considering using it as a model for their own sites," Buss said.
alpoulin@syr.edu
A lack of integration on SU's old Web site, as well as the library site, was the most common complaint prior to the redesign, said Nicci Brown, associate vice president for the Office of Institutional Advancement.
"The university really felt that it needed to evolve the homepage to something more than a simple portal and have a greater Web presence," Brown said.
MYbrary is intended to be similar to an iGoogle page, a Google site that comes equipped with search options, widgets and user-determined gadgets all in one place. MYbrary also allows a user to save his or her search settings within specific filters though it cannot save prior keyword searches.
"Functionality was a big key for us," said DeAnn Buss, director of information systems for the library administration. "If you search 'water,' you can see results in databases, books and e-journals if those are the areas where you most frequently do your research."
In addition to aesthetic changes, the new content management system has allowed both the library Web site and the SU homepage to be updated, edited and tweaked easily, Buss said.
"Plans for redesigning the look and feel of the site and the content management system began several years ago," she said.
Members on the Web team responsible for the renewed site include library administration and librarians.
Extensive "user-ability" studies were done before the redesign of the library site, and most of their findings are now reflected in the current version of the site, Buss said.
The only feature that cannot be upgraded or remodeled to the look of SU's current Web site is the inter-library loan program portion.
But SU alumna Lisa Fantino experienced some problems. She said the lack of clear and simple options for alumni on the library's new site was frustrating. When it was initially unveiled, she tried clicking on the alumni link and was denied access.
"They should've figured out all the kinks before launching the site," Fantino said. "Alumni contribute greatly to this school and we really get nothing for it. We should at the very least have online access to whatever electronic facilities are made available to students at the site."
Most feedback, so far, is on the look and design of the site and the cohesion it has with the homepage, Buss said.
"The need for minor content tweaks such as dead links is the most typical criticism," Buss said.
Despite the setbacks, the new site has caught the attention of the SU College of Law and the University of Houston.
"The two institutions have been talking to SU about the Web site redesign and have mentioned that they are considering using it as a model for their own sites," Buss said.
alpoulin@syr.edu
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